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Monday 9am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 4pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 4pm Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday 9am - 4pm

Cosley Zoo

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Cosley Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and features native wildlife.
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Cosley Zoo gives visitors up-close interactions with nature right in the heart of the suburbs. Nestled on 5 acres, Cosley Zoo is home to farm animals and native Illinois wildlife. Visitors will discover exhibits that immerse them in natural habitats for white-tailed deer, red fox, Blanding’s turtles, a bobcat, a coyote, and more. Cosley Zoo is also a center for animal education and conservation, offering programs that teach young and old how to care for the world around them and give back to the communities in which they live, work, and play. You can reserve tickets in advance at https://cosleyzoo.org/plan-your-visit/ or purchase them at the admission booth.

11/02/2026

It's National Bison Day! 🦬

Keeper Madeline loves visiting places that connect her to nature and traveled to Yellowstone National Park over the summer! There are always new things to learn about animals, and national parks are amazing places to observe animals in their natural habitats! When most people think of this national park, one of the first things that comes to mind are bison!

Bison have been roaming the land that is now Yellowstone since prehistoric times. They are important for allowing the local ecosystem to flourish. Bison are amazing grazers, and by doing this they churn up soil with their hooves, supporting plants, birds, and pollinators. They help so much that they are considered a keystone species! Bison are needed in the wild to keep ecosystems in balance.

Just by visiting Yellowstone National Park, you are helping in the conservation of these amazing animals! Our keepers are always growing their passion for the natural world, and by visiting different ecosystems they can bring their experiences and what they learned back to our zoo!

One of the ways Cosley Zoo supports Bison is by raising money through Coins for Conservation. This once nearly extinct species is not only a profound prairie powerhouse, they are central to indigenous peoples who are leaders in their Conservation. Spare change can make a change. Next time you’re at Cosley, bring in your loose pocket change to support the North American Bison.

📷:Keeper Madeline

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween from Cosley Zoo!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Spooktacular Halloween event! It was so fun to see everyone's creative costumes, colorful crafts, and delightful dancing! A big thank you to our sponsors(Wheaton Bank & trust Co, Westside Children’s Therapy Renewal by Anderson and Goldfish Swim School) as well as all of our staff and volunteers that make this event possible. See you next year, ghoul friends!

10/29/2026

Let's hear it for hides!

One essential part of animal welfare is an animal's comfort in its environment. The incorporation of shelters and refuges in our exhibits provides species that naturally seek cover with spaces where they feel safe and secure, where they can rest and recharge, or take a break from their habitat mates. Hides can be manmade, like plastic or wooden huts, crates, and roosting boxes, or natural barriers like live plants, rocks, and hollow logs.

While hides might make it more challenging to see an animal at times, they serve a crucial purpose in allowing our animals choices in where they spend their time. If you don't see an animal right away, look up, down, and all around and you may spot them.

10/28/2026

Happy Plush Animal Lovers Day!

Plush animal lovers' day is a perfect time for the young and young at heart to celebrate their favorite plush animals. Plush animals aren't just toys; they're fond memories of places we've been to and remind us of our favorite animals. Stop in our Wild Side Gift shop to bring home a new friend. What’s your favorite animal plush?

10/26/2026

Oh my gourd! It's National Pumpkin Day!

While many people associate pumpkins with Halloween decorations such as jack-o'-lanterns or their favorite fall beverage, pumpkins are very versatile. From soups and pies to pastas and hummus, every part of the pumpkin is edible.

Don't know what to do with your post-party pumpkins? Join the Wheaton Park District's Smashing Pumpkins & Gourds event Saturday, November 14! https://bit.ly/3UL2hEI

10/24/2026

Happy Gotcha Day to Rocket, one of our raccoons!

Rocket is six years old and came to Cosley Zoo from a wildlife center in Illinois. He could not be released back into the wild because he imprinted on humans, meaning he’s learned to associate people with the things he needs such as food and shelter.

If you have ever visited Rocket at the zoo, you might notice him dipping his hands, food, rocks, or enrichment items in water! He’s not washing his hands like we do; he wets his hands and anything he can pick up to feel the world around him better! Raccoon hands are very sensitive, and act as their second set of eyes! It gives them a better idea of what it is they are eating or interacting with.

So, the next time you see him playing in the water, you know that it’s for a really cool reason! We are so glad Rocket is thriving here at Cosley Zoo! His trainers will give him lots of high fives today for his gotcha day!
-Keeper Madeline

10/22/2026

This week we are celebrating River and Fern's gotcha day!
River and Fern are imprinted coyotes, meaning they associate people with the things they need such as food, water and shelter and therefore would not be able to survive on their own in the wild. Having River and Fern here at Cosley gives people a chance to learn from these amazing animals and break some of the negative misconceptions people often have towards these animals.

For example, have you ever heard coyotes howl at night? While some people think coyotes howl to celebrate a successful hunt. However, they're really just calling the pup's home. Their call lets each other know where they are. Coyotes are one of the most vocal canines and are capable of many different vocalizations such as yips, barks, growls and howls.

Coyotes will often howl as an ambulance passes because this is the same pitch as a coyote howl. Have you ever heard the Cosley Chorus?

10/21/2026

A little rain. A lot of Halloween fun. All at your own pace!

Cosley Zoo's first Boo Bash brought families together for a sensory-friendly Halloween experience filled with animals, activities and opportunities to enjoy the evening their own way.

Thank you, boo-y, much to everyone who celebrated with us! Boo Bash is one more way the Wheaton Park District is Creating an Inclusive Community, one experience at a time.

10/21/2026

Today is National Reptile Day! 🐢🐍🦎

Reptiles are found everywhere, and they are uniquely adapted to survive in the wild. At Cosley Zoo, we use our ambassador snakes to educate and inspire a love of the natural world. While our snakes at the zoo don’t need all of their natural instincts, they still use the skills they would in the wild. For example, did you know that snakes are ectothermic?
This means they are unable to produce their own source of heat and must rely on external sources like the sun or warm rocks. Our snakes don’t need to find the sun, but they do know how to find the side of their tank warmed by their light bulbs. Let’s dive deeper into the wide world of snakes and see how our snake species at the zoo survive in the wild.

First, let’s look at Mulberry, our corn snake. Corn snakes have excellent camouflage. Their natural orange, red, and brown coloring allows them to blend into dead leaves and tallgrass, moving smoothly without ever being detected.

Next, we have Prairie, our hognose snake. Hognose snakes have a special upturned snout, which they use for digging through sand, dirt, and dead leaves. This allows them to quickly hide from predators or escape other dangers such as extreme weather. It also allows them to find prey such as frogs and toads which often bury themselves underground.

Lastly, say hello to Sherbet, our common bull snake. Bull snakes survive by pretending to be rattlesnakes when threatened. They will puff up their body, shake their tail, and hiss. They lack a true rattle at the tip of their tail but can mimic the noise of a rattlesnake by vibrating their tail against dry leaves.

Come visit Mulberry, Prairie, Sherbet, and all their reptile friends including a bearded dragon, skinks, and turtles at Cosley Zoo and look out for snakes in the wild using all of their special adaptations.

10/15/2026

Join us tomorrow!

Friday, October 16 from 5:15-7:00P for Cosley Zoo's Spooktacular Halloween event! Dress up is encouraged but not required. Get ready for a spooky stroll, creepy crawly crafts and perfect pumpkin picking! Registration is here: https://bit.ly/4ylJiis

Address

1356 N Gary Avenue
Wheaton, IL
60187

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm
Saturday	9am - 4pm
Sunday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

+16306655534

Website

http://www.cosleyzoo.org/

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